This article was co-authored by Natalia S. David, Psy.D.. Dr. David is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She received her PsyD from Alliant International University in 2017.

There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Sexual abuse is a crime that affects many people. You can help victims by reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Don’t delay simply because you aren’t 100% sure it happened. All you need is “reasonable suspicion,” so document the reasons why you think abuse has occurred before calling the authorities.

Steps

Part 1

Gathering Information

1

Note physical signs of sexual abuse. Children who are being sexually abused often have difficulty walking or sitting. They may also experience pain when going to the bathroom.[1]

Adults who are being sexually abused might have unexplained bruises or scratch marks on their body.

It’s not your job to investigate the victim beyond what you observe by interacting with them normally. Don’t interrogate them with personal questions about their body or remove, for example, a child’s pants or shirt to check for signs of abuse. This can be traumatizing for victims.[2]

2

Pay attention to behavioral changes that indicate child abuse. Many times, sexual abuse only shows up in changes to behavior. Some of the following behavioral changes, by themselves, do not suggest child abuse. However, if you notice multiple changes, then you should question further. Note the following changes in children:[3]

Sudden changes in appetite

Trouble sleeping at night without any explanation

Rapid changes in mood, such as rage, insecurity, or fear

The use of adult words for body parts

Playing with toys or other children in a sexual manner

The sudden appearance of a new adult friend coupled with new toys or unexplained money

3

Note behavioral changes in adults. Adults who have been sexually abused sometimes exhibit the following symptoms. As with children, one symptom isn’t proof that sexual abuse has happened. However, multiple symptoms should inspire you to investigate further:[4]

Substance abuse

Suicidal thoughts

Eating problems

Increased aggression

An unexplained loss of interest in sex

Depression

Anxiety

Withdrawal

Isolation

Hypervigilance

Self-harm

4

Listen to the victim if they open up to you. If the victim willingly tells you about the abuse, do your best to listen to them and reassure them that they'll get the help they need. Remember what they do disclose, but avoid asking about details, as this is a delicate subject and may make the victim uncomfortable. Instead, leave these questions to the authorities and professionals.

Emphasize that you believe the victim and tell them it isn’t their fault.[5]

Tell the victim you’re going to get help, but don’t make promises such as, “We’re going to lock him up.”

5

Write down your own observations. You might have seen abuse or suspicious behavior. As soon as possible, write down what you saw. Note the date, time, location, and the identity of the perpetrator.

Part 2

Reporting the Abuse to the Authorities

1

Decide whether to report anonymously. In most situations, you can report a crime without giving your identity. Carefully weigh whether you want to provide your name and number.

If you don’t, then the authorities can’t follow up with you. They also can’t call on you to testify against the abuser if charges are brought.[6]

However, you might want to remain anonymous if you’re afraid of the suspected abuser yourself.

2

Call the appropriate office. If you think an adult is being sexually abused, you should call the police. Look up the phone number in the phone book or call emergency services.

If you think a child is being sexually abused by a caregiver, you can call Child Protective Services. If you think a non-caregiver is abusing the child, then call the police.[7]

In the United States, you can also call the ChildHelp hotline at 1-800-4ACHILD. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, and all calls are confidential.[8]

3

Provide basic information about the victim. When you call, identify yourself and state you want to report suspected sexual abuse. Then give the authorities the following information about the victim:[9]

Describe your suspicions. Tell the authorities why you suspect sexual abuse. Provide as much detail as necessary to convey why you have a good faith reason to suspect someone has been victimized. Stick only to the facts that you have observed and don’t speculate.[11] For example, you can say, “Megan has trouble sitting down and says her bottom hurts all the time. She has also been using sexual language that I haven’t heard her use before.”

Tell the authorities who you suspect is abusing the victim. Give a name if you have one. Otherwise, you should describe the abuser in as much detail as possible.

Provide any other requested information. If you are reporting child abuse, the authorities might want to know if there are other children in the home, as well as their names and ages.[13] Answer all questions as best as you can.

6

Avoid calling a child’s parents. For all you know, one of the parents might be sexually abusing the child. By telling them, you tip them off that someone is about to report the abuse.[14] Let the authorities tell a child’s parents.

Likewise, you don’t need to notify an adult’s spouse or partner, who could also be the abuser.

7

Report suspected Internet pornography. If you think child pornography has been involved in the abuse, you should contact an appropriate agency in your country.

In the U.S., you can contact the Cybertipline at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com.

Outside the U.S., you can visit the INHOPE: International Association of Internet Hotlines, which contains an international directory.[15]

8

Provide any other helpful information. After receiving your complaint, the authorities will investigate. Typically, you have no right to know the status of the investigation or its results. However, you might be contacted to provide additional information. Comply with these requests as quickly as you can.

Can I take my child to the doctor before calling police if I suspect sexual abuse?

AbigailAbernathy

Top Answerer

Yes, though, doctors finds signs of sexual abuse, they are a mandatory reporter and will need to report the abuse to the police. In this situation, tell the doctor that was your intention and you will fully cooperate.

I am an adult now. Am I still able to report my sexual abuse from my childhood if I am now ready?

Marina

Community Answer

Taking legal action is different no matter where you are. Before reporting to authorities, check the statute of limitations for sexual abuse in your state, country, or region. This will tell you if you can pursue the case legally. If you find that you cannot pursue this legally, remember that there are likely support groups in your area where you can meet with other survivors.

Take the child in right away for an examination by a doctor and report your suspicions. Your primary job is to protect your child and make sure he or she is safe and gets the proper care if this has been indeed happening.

A man groped my breast. I pushed his hand away twice but he did it again. It was crowded and he was a stranger. Was this sexual abuse/assault?

Community Answer

Yes, it was sexual assault/imposition, which is a crime. If that happens again and you can find a police officer, do so and report it right away. Otherwise, call the police and describe the man. You can also shout at the man loudly to shame him in front of others.

I was sexually abused as a child by a family member. I am a minor, but my parents do not want to press charges. Is there some way I could take legal action without my parents?

AbigailAbernathy

Top Answerer

You could tell a school counselor or a teacher, who are mandated reporters and have to call CPS and get the law involved or risk their jobs. Explain that your parents are preventing you from filing charges.

Tips

In many countries, professionals who work with children must report suspected sexual abuse to the authorities. These professionals include social workers, teachers, day care providers, doctors, nurses, and school personnel.[16] You should have received training on how to make a mandated report. If you are unsure, speak to your supervisor.

Article Info

This article was co-authored by Natalia S. David, Psy.D.. Dr. David is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She received her PsyD from Alliant International University in 2017.